title: Nursing diagnosis: exploring the factors which may influence the reasoning process.
abstract: Nursing diagnosis is defined and discussed in relation to nursing's metaparadigm, the cognitive processes involved in problem-solving, and nursing's theoretical knowledge base. It is argued that each of these distinct yet related domains must be addressed by the clinician when applying the reasoning process. Factors are identified which can hinder and dramatically influence this diagnostic process, even to the detriment of the patient's welfare. Suggestions are offered throughout the discussion which may assist the nurse in developing more effective and accurate clinical decision-making strategies.
authors.affiliation: Coronary Care Unit, Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, Mid-Glamorgan.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Woolley
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003071:Cognition; D003463:Cues; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D009736:Nursing Process; D009742:Nursing Theory; D011340:Problem Solving; D012380:Role; D012718:Set, Psychology; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D013850:Thinking